Many of us feel a sudden sharp gnawing pain in our teeth, while eating something hot or cold. The sensation may be temporary, but it causes a significant discomfort. This is called teeth sensitivity, one of the most common dental problems faced by worldwide people.
What are Different Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?
Before knowing the factors that promote tooth sensitivity, let us figure out the actual cause lying behind it. Basically, a healthy tooth has two parts – (a) a harder external part called ‘enamel’, and (b) a softer internal part called ‘dentin’. Enamel keeps dentin protected, when the roots of the tooth remain buried under the gum tissue. But sometimes, the dentin gets exposed due to enamel loss, root erosion, receding gum line, dental cavities, cracks, etc., thereby making the tooth sensitive. It makes thousands of microscopic dentinal tubules or channels come in contact with various food elements (hot, cold, acidic, etc.), which reach the nerves present inside the tooth pulp and trigger sudden pain.
Now, here are some of the most common factors that can affect your teeth and worsen the condition of sensitivity to a large extent:
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- Formation of plaque on teeth surfaces can lead to sensitivity over time.
- Severity of plaque buildup can result into gingivitis, which may eventually cause periodontal disease. Both these conditions can contribute to gum inflammation, thereby promoting sensitivity.
- Receding gum is a very common issue in people experiencing periodontal disease. It can expose dentin and push sensitivity.
- If you have one or more cracks in teeth, they may get filled by bacteria and cause acute inflammation in tooth pulps.
- Those who suffer from teeth grinding at night may turn out to be the victim of sensitivity very easily.
- Regular use of a hard-bristled toothbrush can be one of the major causes behind tooth sensitivity. It can damage dental enamel badly and make dentin exposed.
- Putting excessive pressure while brushing your teeth can be dangerous as it leads to the recession of gum line followed by sensitivity.
- Commercial tooth-whitening products are loaded with harmful chemicals, which may wear down your teeth enamel while driving away stains from them.
- Using acidic mouthwashes for long can damage the dentin layer and make teeth highly sensitive.
- Too much intake of acidic foods can also be responsible for enamel reduction.
- Certain dental procedures, such as periodontal scaling or cleaning, root planing, cavity filling, crown replacement, and other similar restoration methods can make your teeth very much sensitive. However, it shouldn’t last more than 1- 1.5 months.
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Effective Home Remedies for Sensitive Teeth
The problem of teeth sensitivity can be treated successfully with some simple home remedies. We have sorted them out for you here:
- Saltwater Rinse
Dissolve 2 teaspoons of table salt into a glass of lukewarm water. Rinse your mouth with it twice everyday in order to ease dental pain and sensitivity.
- Mustard Oil and Rock Salt
Put 1 teaspoon of rock salt in 1 tablespoon of mustard oil and mix well to form a granular paste. Massage your teeth with it by using your index finger. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and rinse off with plain water.
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- Clove Oil
Being an amazing antibacterial and antifungal agent, clove oil is widely used for curing dental sensitivity. You can either apply it directly to the troubled teeth or rinse your mouth by mixing it with a cup of tepid water.
- Guava Leaves
The extract of fresh guava leaves is known to be a magical cure for teeth sensitivity. So, if you are suffering from it, chew a few leaves on a regular basis.
- Mint Leaves
The medicinal benefits of mint make it a reliable remedy for sensitive teeth. Add 10-12 fresh mint leaves to 2 cups of water and bring the whole thing to a boil. Cool down the concoction after straining and rinse your mouth with it.
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- Mustard Oil and Turmeric
Blend 1 teaspoon of grated turmeric or turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of mustard oil. Apply this paste to sensitive teeth and you will definitely get fast relief from pain.
- Baking Soda and ACV
Prepare a paste of medium consistency by mixing a little amount of apple cider vinegar or ACV with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Regular application of it to sensitive teeth will highly benefit you.
- Aloe Vera Gel
The calming effects of aloe vera gel are quite well-known. So, rubbing it on the troubled teeth can soothe the hyperstimulated nerve endings and help you get rid of sensitivity.
- Ginger Juice
Extract the juice of a small ginger root and apply it to your sensitive teeth every night before going to bed.
- Margosa Leaves
Studies have proved that margosa leaves are also efficient in reducing teeth sensitivity. Hence, you can chew fresh margosa leaves every day to curb this issue.
Apart from all these home remedies, you must also take some precautions like preventing plaque build-up, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, choosing desensitizing toothpaste, using fluoridated mouthwash, avoiding acidic food substances, and so on to keep your dental sensitivity under control.
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